16 December 2016
President's blog| NZSA meeting with Annette King| Office over Xmas break| New Zealand Anaesthesia Magazine| Network for trainee research| Anaesthesia Continuing Education| In the media| Nurse practitioner scope of practice| NZSA member discount| Membership fee renewal| Events on NZSA website| NZMA award for anaesthetist| Choosing Wisely Campaign| Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Junior Research Award| New position on AIC Board| Hip fracture study| Affiliated Provider Update| ACC new pain management service| European Pain Federation Congress| WFSA position statement on anaesthesiology and universal health coverage
Vacancies: The NZSA posts vacancies on its website, for positions in New Zealand and overseas.
NZSA President Dr Kibblewhite explores the divide and disconnect in our health system, highlighting examples of polarisation between clinicians and managers. He argues that the real loser is the patient "who I suspect feels totally lost and disconnected from the whole process." He also touches on the importance of NZSA membership and the synergy we share with our sister committee ANZCA-NC enabling a more robust, resilient approach to advancing advocacy, education and community. Read David's blog here
esthesia Continuing Education
NZSA meeting with Annette King
The NZSA met with Labour Deputy Leader and Health Spokesperson Annette King at parliament in early December. Our briefing paper for Ms King included updates on the anaesthesia workforce, assistants to the anaesthetist, and the growing momentum for perioperative medicine. The main topics discussed at our meeting were:
- the roll out of the national bowel screening programme and concerns over its implementation due to inadequate numbers of nurse endoscopists and medical personnel. The NZSA has been involved in the sedation training component of the nurse endoscopy course. Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has announced that Southern and Counties Manukau DHBs will join the bowel screening programme in 2017/18, after Hutt Valley and Wairarapa DHBs.- the disconnect between clinicians and DHB management when making clinical decisions, including the case at Waikato DHB with orthopaedic surgeons and the need for greater clinical governance and oversight.- the need for a standard electronic health record that all medical personnel can access to enable better integration between primary and secondary care, and improved continuity of care. Technology, such as patient portals, is being used very effectively by some practices to better engage
patients in their healthcare.- the health select committee's assisted death inquiry, in response to a petition begun by former Labour MP Maryan Street. The committee is half way through evaluating submissions, with three quarters opposing legalising euthanasia to date. The NZMA and palliative care specialists are just two groups which remain strongly opposed to euthanasia. There was discussion about the need for palliative care to become a core, mainstream service.
NZSA office over the Xmas break
This is the last E-Zine of the year. The NZSA office will close on midday 23 December 2016 and reopen on 4 January 2017. The NZSA team wishes you all a happy and safe holiday season. It's been a successful year for the NZSA; thank you for your support and we look forward to continuing to represent you in 2017.
The latest issue of our newly designed magazine New Zealand Anaesthesia
is out and members will have received their copy. You can read about Dr Tony Diprose's experience on board the Africa Mercy, a hospital vessel operated by Mercy Ships; an innovative new programme which focuses on addressing obesity to improve perioperative patient care and safety; a thought provoking article on the need to navigate the tension between trainees learning new skills while safeguarding patient safety; and why patients need to be at the forefront of perioperative care. You can also read our President's column, NZSA news, profiles and more.
We welcome your feedback on the magazine and trust you'll find it an interesting and insightful read.
Network for trainee research
The Supportive Anaesthesia Trainee aUdit & Research Network (SATURN) was set up to undertake high quality, trainee-led, multi-centred research and audit across New Zealand to improve anaesthesia and perioperative care for patients. SATURN aims to improve trainee access to research to enable a larger number of trainees to get involved in anaesthesia and perioperative medicine audit and research projects. Visit the SATURN website for more information.
Anaesthesia Continuing Education
The Anaesthesia Continuing Education Co-ordinating Committee (ACE) encourages members convening conferences, workshops or meetings, which assist CPD requirements, to add their event to the ACE website. The parent groups, NZSA, ANZCA and ASA, host the site as part of the tripartite committee. Learn more about the many CPD opportunities on the ACE website
Waikato Hospital lead obstetric anaesthetist Dr Aidan O'Donnell is interviewed in the NZ Herald and the
Waikato Times in relation to a patient who has experienced serious complications following an epidural. He said it is "phenomenally rare" for women to suffer any longstanding injury from an epidural and in some cases the injection can help save lives. He said he planned to meet with the patient to discuss possible treatments. "I intend to ... make sure that she's followed up and given the best treatment that we can provide. My sincere belief is that we've ruled out all the bad stuff and that means overwhelmingly her prognosis remains favourable."
Nurse practitioner scope of practice
The Nursing Council of New Zealand has been reviewing the nurse practitioner (NP) scope of practice and associated qualifications over the past two years. The results of its review are now final. The key change is that the scope of practice has been broadened and the requirement to restrict NPs to a specific area of practice has been removed. It will be interesting to follow the resulting legislative changes. The new scope of practice comes into effect in April 2017 and the entire pharmacopeia will now be available to all
prescribers. The Ministry of Health seems unconcerned about any resulting increase in risk. The NZSA invested considerable time and resources into providing input into this review. Our submissions to the Nursing Council were sent in February and November
2015. The outcome of the NP review does not reflect the NZSA’s position, or the NZMA and ANZCA submissions. We expressed support for practice within a team setting, especially by specialist RNs. We stated that we support nurse prescribing within well-defined clinical areas, after a suitable length of time working in the area under supervision, and with the appropriate mentoring and prescribing practicum. We stated that there is a conflict of interest inherent in the Nursing Council being able to self-regulate both scopes of practice and competence. The wording for RN practice is general and the oversight provision vague, as it is not accompanied by an audit/quality assurance structure as is the case for the Medical Council of New Zealand which
requires audits of doctors and regulation by Colleges. NPs will be expected to self-regulate and practise within their areas of competence and experience. The new scope will be accompanied by changes to education programme standards for Masters Degrees, leading to registration as a NP. For more information visit the Nursing Council website.
NZSA Member Discount - Firstcheck for Summer
The NZSA is very pleased to offer our members access to a new wellness app with a special NZSA member price.
Unique Discount Code: NZSA16 Firstcheck, a New Zealand start up, is helping to revolutionise the early detection of skin cancer. You can have any skin condition checked by your local NZ skin specialist, via your smartphone or tablet. Firstcheck means that with a couple of clicks and pics you can have a dermatologist or skin specialist review your skin concern, anonymously from the comfort of home. The Firstcheck SkinScope™ fits on your smartphone or tablet and enables you to take high definition dermoscopic images. The offer gives you the best deal for individual purchases and can be used again and again. The coupon code expires 28 February 2017
so get your skinscope package today! Check it out and stay skin healthy
Thank you to our members for your support throughout the year. We are in the process of membership renewals, with invoices for 2017 membership fees sent out at the end of November.
We welcome your prompt payment and thank members who have already paid. For information on how to pay and a comprehensive overview of our work and key achievements for 2016 click here. Our accounts area will be closed from 23 December to 4 January, so receipt issuance will be delayed during this time. Please note that those who haven't paid by 31 January will lose access to the members only section of our website.
New Zealand Simulation Instructors (NZSIC) Course 20-21 March 2017
Wellington Hospital More details
Annual Scientific Meeting
Save the date - Rotorua, 8-11 November 2017
The theme is fear and excitement. Find out more about speakers and conference here. We encourage you to bookmark this site as information will be regularly updated. Registrations open April 2017.
SPANZA PANNZ Update Meeting, Wellington
11 March 2017, Wellington HospitalDiscounted rate for NZSA and SPANZA members
Early bird rate if you register on or by 27 February 2017 The update meeting will be a one-day course suitable for the occasional paediatric anaesthetist and other staff (nursing/technical) wanting to upgrade their knowledge of current paediatric anaesthetic management. To view the programme and for further information on location, accommodation and how to register for the meeting, CLICK HERE
NZMA award for anaesthetist
The NZSA congratulates Dr Robin Youngson, a New Zealand anaesthetist internationally renowned for his leadership in compassionate healthcare, who was presented with the New Zealand Medical Association’s (NZMA) Chair’s Award at its end of year function on 6 December. Dr Youngson is the co-founder of Hearts in Healthcare, which is inspiring change in countries around the world, and the author of acclaimed book Time to Care – How to love your patients and your job. Receiving the award, Dr Youngson said he felt overwhelmed by the NZMA’s recognition of the importance of his work on compassion in caring. “It’s extremely gratifying to have your work and your cause acknowledged by your own peers,
particularly in your own country. Compassion really is the foundation of good medical practice.” NZSA CEO Renu Borst, Incoming President Kathryn Hagen and Communications Manager Daphne Atkinson attended the NZMA event.
The Choosing Wisely campaign aims to reduce unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures, and encourages health professionals and patients to engage in discussion so that patients can make an informed choice on treatment. Choosing Wisely encourages patients to ask their health professional four key questions: - Do I really need to have this test, treatment or
procedure?
- What are the risks?
- Are there simpler, safer options?
- What happens if I do nothing?
Council of Medical Colleges Chair Dr Derek Sherwood says some inappropriate clinical interventions and treatments are being used in Australia and New Zealand. “The common factors that contribute to health professionals ordering unnecessary services include patient expectation, lack of consultation time, uncertainty and fear of missing a diagnosis, reimbursement incentives, the way health professionals are taught and avoiding the challenge of telling patients they do not need specific tests. The result can be care for patients that adds little
or no value and may cause harm.” The multimedia campaign is being run by the Council of Medical Colleges, in partnership with the Health Quality & Safety Commission and Consumer New Zealand. Resources are being developed for patients and health professionals. To find out more, visit the Choosing Wisely website. The Campaign has generated impressive media coverage, including an interview with NZMA Chair Dr Stephen Child on the
Paul Henry Show.
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Junior Research Award
Applications are invited for the Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Junior Research Award from ASA, NZSA, or ANZICS members who are in training or within five years of their specialist qualification. To be eligible, applicants must be the first author of a paper published in ‘Anaesthesia and Intensive Care’ in 2016. Ideally the paper would describe work conducted in Australia or New Zealand. The award will be made on the basis of the scientific merit and originality of the paper. The award will be made separately to the ‘Jeanette Thirlwell Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Best Paper Award’ and will carry the same cash prize and cover the same expenses to attend the annual ASA National Scientific Congress to receive the award. Applications in the form of a
letter indicating the name of the paper and the date published should be addressed to the Chief Editor, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care by 30 April 2017 at aic@asa.org.au
New position on AIC board
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care (AIC) Editorial Fellow Applications are invited from NZSA, ASA or ANZICS members within their final year of specialty training, or within two years of obtaining their specialist qualification, for the newly created position of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Editorial Fellow. As with current AIC editorial positions, the position would be honorary and undertaken alongside the applicant’s usual employment or training. The term would be for 12 months commencing February 2017. The successful appointee would be exposed to both the production and editorial aspects of the journal, and involved in reviewing submissions, commissioning reviews, contributing to book and media reviews, and undertaking other journal activities, under
the supervision of current editorial and/or production staff. More information here. Applications close 31 December 2016.
The NZSA has been invited to participate in a study to help define a list of core outcomes relating to the perioperative management of patients with a hip fracture.
Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland have provided an online survey which will go to as many patients, healthcare professionals and researchers in this field as possible, to form a consensus of expert opinion. The opinions will be collated and a position paper written by a worldwide expert panel. Participants will be acknowledged in the resultant publication. The online questionnaire and more details about this study are on the news page of our website.
Affiliated Provider (AP) Update
Southern Cross Health Insurance consultations will become Affiliated Provider (AP) only next year. All consultations for Pain Management will be AP. All Pain Specialists will need to contact Southern Cross Insurance to discuss this change should they wish to treat Southern Cross insured patients. Anaesthetist Preoperative Consultations will NOT be AP and official notification from Southern Cross is in the pipeline.
ACC new pain management service
The new Pain Management service launched on 1 December 2016 The new service focuses on providing client centric comprehensive pain management support and education across the full spectrum of health care – from primary to tertiary care. This new service replaced the eight pain management services that will expire on 31 December 2016. The existing eight services will continue to accept referrals until 31 December 2016. Any programmes under the existing eight services must be completed by 31 March 2017. Affected services are: 1. Activity Focus Programmes 2. Comprehensive Pain Assessments 3. Functional Reactivation Programmes 4. Interventional Pain Management 5. Multidisciplinary Persistent Pain 6. Progressive Goal Attainment Programmes 7. Pain Disability Prevention Programmes 8. Pain Management Psychological Services Who’s eligible for this service?
Any patient who has an accepted ACC claim and meets the screening criteria can be referred to this service. Screening may be completed by any health professional using the short-form OREBRO, a brief ten question tool used to identify pain-related disability. Who’s involved?
This link shows the pain management service suppliers in each region: Pain Management providers ACC welcomes feedback on the new service by email painmanagement@acc.co.nz. Further information about the Pain Management service can be found at
www.acc.co.nz/pain
European Pain Federation Congress
September 6-9, 2017
Copenhagen, Denmark The 10th Congress of the European Pain Federation, EFIC® (EFIC 2017) will shine a spotlight on current trends and future developments in pain medicine. EFIC® has long been known as the European leader in the field of pain, and its European congresses harness the expertise and experience of 36 national Pain Chapters, representing more than 20,000 healthcare professionals. The scientific programme will provide delegates with access to the latest knowledge and research of the world’s leading pain experts.
The WFSA has released a Draft Position Statement on Anaesthesiology and achieving Universal Health Coverage. On our website you can read correspondence from the WFSA on its aims behind the statement, as well as the draft statement.
Merck Sharp & Dohme (NZ) Ltd (MSD) was established in New Zealand in 1962 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co. Inc. MSD New Zealand supplies pharmaceuticals and vaccines for New Zealand patients across a wide number of therapeutic areas including; oncology, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, women's health, fertility, HIV/AIDS, antibacterials/antifungals and immunisations.
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